Exotics_Builder

Joe, I found these in the parts box. Tires and wheel fronts (hubcaps) plus "spinners". No wheel backs.

I'll get at my stash this afternoon and see if there are any stock wheels and tires for the 65 Impala

My Door Prize haul from Yesterday's Pacific Northwest Model Car Fest contest and swap meet.

The only Big Block version I recollect of this is a Model Car Garage engine dress up kit that included resin valve covers (and different air cleaner types) with a PE version of the top. https://www.modelcargarage.com/eshop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=363

Got a set from Megahobby. These are great, along with the DSPIAE pens. Handy addition to the "paint shop" and great for some detailing. The valve covers on this 409 engine were done with DSPIAE Metallic Siver. I have yet to try any clear coat over any of the colors

https://www.firescalemodeler.com/ You buy from them. They are in Lisbon Portugal and ship to the USA. I have several of their paints. Comparable to Splash, Scale Finishes, Zero and Gravity (the real one in Spain).

I have this, but have yet to use

Here's a set of instructions from the Foose Version but has the stock components. Stock tires and wheels would look thus https://public.fotki.com/drasticplasticsmcc/mkiba-build-under-c/monogram-instructions/automotive-cars--pi/chevrolet/1961-1970/monogram-65-chevy-i/ I should have a set of these sitting in a box but need to check.

Arrived today

With a lot of cleanup and work I built this one last year.

Ahh, my bad. Missed that. Looks like they went back to the original box art from 1969. I didn't recollect another reissue, but I have one in the stash, so not much interest

Looks like the original. Reissued once around 2000. Neat kit and concept.

I figured it might be the case. But I didn't want to pull out the kits and check it out in detail.

I'd suggest starting here. I have gotten some figures from them. Big thing is attire. You may have to compromise/adapt for that as well https://www.etsy.com/shop/LuxFigures?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1534602045&from_page=listing

AMT did this in a kit I guess you could adapt the extended cab to this with some chassis mods. I don't recollect them doing a Promo of one either

You've hit the two main weak points of the kit. One other was the twin supercharged engine a little off on detail (if you wanted to use it)

The shortcomings of the Italeri California is the incorrect (GTO) engine (that can be reasonably fixed) and the GTO interior. Other than that, the Italeri Ferraris are pretty decent with some aftermarket parts applied. My 250 California already built Italeri Ferraris needing to be built (Yes another California and the Revell 275 is a reboxed Italeri)

Not that I am aware. At least I have the Italeri (sometimes Revell) kit. My understanding is that when Revell announced, they were going to rebox and reissue the Italeri kit. But some licensing issue got in the way (at least based on what I heard/read)

Yes. I even saw a real one several years back that had all 3 capped. It was the first real 250 GTO I saw in person (not photo or video). I have wondered whether the 2 vent cars (if they exist) were not ersatz 250 GTO's or elaborate kit cars. There was a period of time when people were taking wrecked 250 GT's and converting them to a GTO. But I think the jury will say no two vent exists.

That is correct. I have seen the center slot closed on some cars. But never a two slot car. I've got a book on the 250 GTO that I will pull out later and see if there is anything in it. My curiosity has been piqued.

Is that not a 1/24 scale kit? The Lindberg/AMT is 1/25 scale.

There were (supposedly) very few (2-3) of the 36 cars that were built with only two vents, but I've also never seen images of any. And checking the Chassis registry is not indicating any either.

The AMT (which is a 250 GT SWB not a GTO) is a reboxed ESCI kit (ESCI/ERTL). I had the ESCI some years back but traded it off since I also have the Italeri which I believe to better). Detail was so/so and some shape issues but can be a decent build. Apart from the pricey Model Factory Hiro multimedia kit (they also did a 250 GTO) the only other 250 GT SWB kit I am aware is the Italeri:

First, there are likely two possibilities for the Revell 250 GTO. On is the 1/25 Aurora repackaged many times in Monogram/Revell hands. This is the version I have sitting down in the stash There is a decent level of engine, chassis and interior detail. The doors, hood and trunk are plastic hinged and open/close. The body is the sad point as it is misshaped, starting off as being a 260 GT SWB and then converted to GTO Body. The second option, and most likely, is the reboxed Protar 250 GTO in 1/24. Again, lots of detail, but body has some issues, mainly being the rear section being too flat and squared off. This was supposedly due to them measuring a poorly repaired car (never been able to fully substantiate that but there is some history on that chassis number). The window posts are a bit thick as well to allow for the opening (but acceptable). I don't know if Revell kept them, but eh Protar tires are very poor. Here is the Protar one down in my stash: The Fujimi is a more recent plastic kit of the 250 GTO and considered to be pretty accurate. There has been debate if the Italeri or Fujimi is more accurate, but I have not spent any time on determining my viewpoint. Being hand built; each GTO was a little different. If you want to build to build a specific chassis, you'd need to research that. If doing a generic GTO, then Fujimi is the closest body wise. The Fujimi has good detail, and there is a lot of aftermarket available for it for even more. Noting opens but the hood on the Fujimi kit and you would have to expend the effort to open it all up if you want that. Here is my Fujimi kit in the stash (and the Italeri just for reference). PM me for any more info if you wish.